Cottonwoods are some of the oldest known trees in existence. In the early years of our country, they served all sorts of purposes for travelers coming to the New World. Their rustling, spade shaped leaves provided shade from the hot sun, and nutritious food for their horses. Cottonwood leaves are known to grow in wet areas. Most smaller cottonwood species grow directly along moving water, as the roots can stretch deep into soak soil and absorb the rich nutrients. Larger Cottonwood species can grow up to 100 feet in some places, and are mostly found in areas with a constant rainfall, leaving deeply soaked soil for them to settle into. In America, states along the coast, including large patches of California, Cottonwood trees grow in abundance. Washington also has quite the population of cottonwoods. Back in the earliest known days of Native occupancy of the Americas, it was found that the buds of Cottonwood leaves contain multiple, highly effective medicinal uses. These healing effects made Cottonwood buds a necessary part of 'first aid" kits during archaic travels. New World travelers figured out that Cottonwoods grow near bodies of water, and would use that information to seek out fresh water. The distinct pattern of Cottonwood bark allowed for the traversers to specify areas of their traveled land, and to rendezvous with their men at particular trees in the forests. Travelers also found the bark to be weak and mostly ineffective, except for ingestible uses. Teas used to heal inflammation and irritations can be made from steeping cottonwood bark over the course of several hours in heated water, these teas were found to be highly effective in killing, as well as preventing fevers. Though they are extremely useful, the tea is bitter and completely unappetizing (as are most ingestibles that are good for you), so it wasn't often made.
Today, Cottonwood tree bark has few uses. The wood is used for most matches, as well as plywood, but is mostly used for art purposes. The tree wood is soft, dry and perfect for carving. Most modern day wood sculptures are made of Cottonwood bark. It is an available, coveted 'canvas' for sculptors. People who live near these trees know the many helpful substances they can make of them. After windy storms, residents of the area know to scout the grounds by tree roots/water and collect fallen buds. These buds can be used to make a healing oil/balm, also known as the balm of Gilead.
Specific step by step instructions can be found below:
-used to heal burns, cuts & open wounds
-Rheumatoid arthritis
-Sore muscles
The Cottonwood bud resin contains salicin which the human body turns into aspirin and heals most topical wounds as well as muscle soreness and headaches.
Cottonwood Trees - Katherine
History-
Cottonwoods are some of the oldest known trees in existence. In the early years of our country, they served all sorts of purposes for travelers coming to the New World. Their rustling, spade shaped leaves provided shade from the hot sun, and nutritious food for their horses. Cottonwood leaves are known to grow in wet areas. Most smaller cottonwood species grow directly along moving water, as the roots can stretch deep into soak soil and absorb the rich nutrients. Larger Cottonwood species can grow up to 100 feet in some places, and are mostly found in areas with a constant rainfall, leaving deeply soaked soil for them to settle into. In America, states along the coast, including large patches of California, Cottonwood trees grow in abundance. Washington also has quite the population of cottonwoods. Back in the earliest known days of Native occupancy of the Americas, it was found that the buds of Cottonwood leaves contain multiple, highly effective medicinal uses. These healing effects made Cottonwood buds a necessary part of 'first aid" kits during archaic travels. New World travelers figured out that Cottonwoods grow near bodies of water, and would use that information to seek out fresh water. The distinct pattern of Cottonwood bark allowed for the traversers to specify areas of their traveled land, and to rendezvous with their men at particular trees in the forests. Travelers also found the bark to be weak and mostly ineffective, except for ingestible uses. Teas used to heal inflammation and irritations can be made from steeping cottonwood bark over the course of several hours in heated water, these teas were found to be highly effective in killing, as well as preventing fevers. Though they are extremely useful, the tea is bitter and completely unappetizing (as are most ingestibles that are good for you), so it wasn't often made.
http://rewildmedicine.blogspot.com/2011/03/plant-of-week-cottonwood.html
http://www3.northern.edu/natsource/TREESA1/Easter1.htm
Modern day Cottonwoods-
Today, Cottonwood tree bark has few uses. The wood is used for most matches, as well as plywood, but is mostly used for art purposes. The tree wood is soft, dry and perfect for carving. Most modern day wood sculptures are made of Cottonwood bark. It is an available, coveted 'canvas' for sculptors. People who live near these trees know the many helpful substances they can make of them. After windy storms, residents of the area know to scout the grounds by tree roots/water and collect fallen buds. These buds can be used to make a healing oil/balm, also known as the balm of Gilead.
Specific step by step instructions can be found below:
https://www.learningherbs.com/balm_of_gilead.html
Medicinal uses of Cottonwoods-
*Balm of Gilead-
-used to heal burns, cuts & open wounds-Rheumatoid arthritis
-Sore muscles
The Cottonwood bud resin contains salicin which the human body turns into aspirin and heals most topical wounds as well as muscle soreness and headaches.
http://www.anniesremedy.com/herb_detail358.php